My grandma's Pineapple Dream! (2024)

Author by Amanda Davis on March 5, 2021 Updated on June 8, 2023

This pineapple dream dessert is one of my family’s favorites.You know those desserts that seem to be at all the family gatherings? Those recipes that your grandma has been making for years? LikePineapple Upside Down Cake,AmbrosiaandWatergate Salad. This is one of those desserts.

This light and fluffy pineapple cream cheese dessert can be easily transported, hence it appearing at all those family functions, and rarely has leftovers.

PSSST – Yes! You are in the right place! Our photos have been updated, but the recipe is the same. This photo look familiar??

I’ve had similar reactions to this Chocolate Lasagna recipe, everyone seems to love it. So the only thing you’ll take home is a dish that needs washing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Back in the late 60’s Cool Whip entered the marketplace. It only took two years for this convenience item to become the company’s best-selling item. Cool Whip has come under fire many times and the current version now contains milk and cream.

Just like this Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad, this isa great recipe for taking to a party, holiday gathering, or a potluck. It’s best to have a place to keep this delicious pineapple whipped cream dessertrefrigerated until ready to serve.

Expert Tip

You can purchase graham cracker crumbs, or smash them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. We like to run them through our food processor!

Ingredients you will need:

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

• 2 1/2 cups graham crumbs (2 sleeves)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for crust)
• 2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz container Cool Whip
• 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained well

NO BAKE VERSION: If it’s too hot to turn on the oven, you can make the crust without baking it. Simply follow the instructions in the recipe, then instead of baking the crust, place it in the refrigerator. Let the crust chill for about 20 minutes. The butter will solidify and hold the crust together. The crust may not hold together as well, especially after sitting out for a while. But it still tastes just as good!

How to Make Pineapple Dream

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat the oven to 300 F. Melt 1/2 cupbutter in the microwave and let it cool. Combine the crumbs and butter, then press 2 cups of the crumb mixture firmly into a 9×9 square pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool.
2. Beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter together until creamy. Turn the mixer down to low and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until incorporated. Turn up and beat well for a minute or so.
3. Add a heaping tablespoon of the drained crushed pineapple and stir in with a rubber spatula.
4. Spread the cream cheese and pineapple mixture over the crust.
5. Fold the remaining pineapple into the Cool Whip and spread on top of the cream cheese mixture.
6. Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture on top.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Does your family have a version of this dessert?

How do you make it and what do you call it? These are some of the names I’ve heard:

• Pineapple Cool Whip Dessert
• Pineapple Delight
• Pineapple Dream Squares
• Pineapple Surprise Dessert
• Pineapple Graham Cracker Dessert
• Pineapple Cream Dessert

Whatever you call it, it’s amazing and there are never any leftovers. It’s always a favorite and someone will inevitably ask you for the recipe! So be sure to print a couple extra copies. :)

More one-pan potluckdessert ideas

1. If you liked this Pineapple Dream Dessert, you’ll probably like my Cream Puff Chocolate Eclair Cake too. It’s another one of those potluck recipes that everyone wants a slice of! Not only is itcreamy and delicious, it’s pretty too. So next time you’re heading to a friend or relatives and need to bring a dessert, try this eclair cake!
2. Not everyone approves of the name of this next recipe, so over the years, it has taken on a few different titles. Here it’s called Sex in a Pan, but you may also know it as Chocolate Dream, Robert Redford Dessert or Better Than Anything Dessert. All I know is that three layers including cream cheese, pudding and whipping cream make for a party in your mouth!
3. Speaking of potluck favorites, this Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is always a big hit! There are some families that absolutely insist it is served at every holiday.
4. If you are a banana lover have I got a dessert for you! Make this delicious banana pudding poke cake and I promise you will not be disappointed.
5. Though it’s not necessarily a “one-pan” dessert, it’s definitely a potluck favorite! This Ambrosia Salad is a vintage classic. Combining maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, fruit co*cktail and marshmallows this ambrosia salad recipe is one to be reckoned with.
6. Try this fabulous looking Lemon Delight from Happy Hooligans, the kids can help makeChessmen Banana Pudding from Kids Activities Blog, and who could resistChocolate Banana Twinkie Cake from Today’s Creative Life?
7. This just added – Pineapple Yogurt Dessert – thank you to Cathy for sharing it with us.
8. This irresistible no-bake Eclair Cake is the dessert of your dreams. Your guests will be asking for seconds and thirds!
9. This Orange Pineapple Cake is stuffed with sweet mandarin oranges and topped with a fruity pineapple frosting that’s hard to resist.

Watch our quick video showing the simple process of this delicious dessert!

This recipewas originally published here on July 9, 2013.